Jackson police chief, major reflect on their first year and goals

At the end of April, Mark Brink will have spent one year heading the Jackson Police Department with Ty Bissler, who initially served as interim chief and now works as the second-in-command.

Alison Matas CantonRep.com staff writer

When the township’s new police chief applied to join the department last year, he wrote that he thought the biggest challenge the officers were facing was low morale.

Mark Brink, who then was seeking the major’s position, didn’t elaborate on the reason in his essay, but he suggested appointing competent people to supervisor positions and then allowing them to do their jobs.

“I believe through communication and policy you are able to affect positive change,” he wrote.

At the end of April, Brink will have spent one year heading the Police Department with Ty Bissler, who initially served as interim chief and now works as the second-in-command. The two took office while the state investigated allegations of sexual harassment brought by female police officers against the department’s former chief.

“We needed to find a way to move forward,” Brink said, “and I believed that I could provide some of that leadership.”

‘HE FITS WHAT WE WANT’

Before coming to Jackson Township, the 51-year-old Brink spent eight years as police chief of the neighboring Lawrence Township department.

Bissler, 46, has worked for Jackson’s department full time since 1994, earning the rank of lieutenant in 2007.

Township officials didn’t post the job opening for police chief when the position became available after former Chief David Zink retired at the end of November. They also didn’t interview anyone but Bissler for the major’s role after deciding to promote Brink.

The two already had been in charge of the department for eight months, but in the opposite jobs.

When Brink first was hired in April 2013, he beat out 19 others — four of whom also were chiefs of their departments — during a process that included a series of interviews that asked candidates why they wanted to be major, whether they consider ethics when making decisions, and how they would improve public perception of the Police Department, township documents show.

Todd Hawke, president of the township board of trustees, said “everything” about Brink stood out during the application process. He cited his experience leading Lawrence’s police department and complimented Brink’s ability to work well with both residents and employees. Hawke said Brink has the “highest level of integrity.”

“He fits what we want in that position all the way around,” he said.

At the same time the township hired Brink, trustees named Bissler interim chief. They chose him, Hawke said, because he had the right qualifications, he had the trust and respect of the existing officers, and appointing him provided some continuity for the department after losing a chief.

He said Bissler exceeded their expectations while he held the top office.

“Ty did such a great job,” Hawke said.

‘A TRUE LEADER’

When Brink and Bissler were sworn in last month, Township Hall filled with police chiefs from area departments and the Stark County sheriff.

Dave Brown, now a sergeant with the Lawrence Township Police Department, attended to show his support and respect for his former boss. Brown worked for Brink for about 10 years as a patrol officer — Brink was his field training officer when he was hired.

Brown said Brink had no problem pitching in to help with a case. He was open. He never tried to hide anything. His standards were high.

“To Mark, you were only as good as your word,” Brown said. “Truthfulness was very important.”

Glenn Goe, a retired lieutenant with the Jackson Township Police Department, said the same about Bissler. He commended Bissler for his maturity and described him as “a good guy all around.”

Goe said he couldn’t remember ever having to discipline Bissler.

Christopher Rudy, also a retired Jackson lieutenant, supervised Bissler for about a decade. He said Bissler is grounded and even-keeled and never seemed to let being in charge go to his head.

“People gravitated toward Ty,” Rudy said. “... Everybody likes him.”

Evaluations in Bissler’s file describe him as “a true leader” and praise him for handling situations with brains, not brawn.

Bissler’s file with the township also contains a stack of notes from former police chiefs and citizens, thanking him for his professionalism.

The week he was sworn in as major, North Canton’s police chief, Stephan Wilder, sent Bissler a handwritten letter congratulating him on his new job and offering him any help he might need.

“Your patience and support in the effort to keep the Jackson Township Police Department focused on the mission of providing safeness to the community exemplifies why you were elected to your leadership position,” Wilder wrote.

‘WE’RE THE MINORITY’

Although Brink and Bissler traded jobs in February, they said their roles didn’t really change.

Bissler credits Brink with handling the public relations and public speaking aspects of the job — which is part of the reason Bissler says he didn’t want to be named chief of the department permanently. Brink says Bissler’s strength is managing the patrol division.

For months, they held off on some administrative decisions, Bissler said, because they didn’t want to make changes if Brink wasn’t going to be chief. They did eventually join the FBI Safe Streets Task Force, adding one employee to the FBI-led group that focuses on gangs, drug trafficking and violent crime in Stark and surrounding counties.

They also have attempted to address how police officers conduct themselves.

Bissler said he’s talked with members of the department about the importance of having positive contact with the township’s residents when responding to calls.

Brink said he tells officers the public is watching them not only when they’re on duty but after hours, too. He stresses that the department owes good behavior to the community.

A report about the Jackson Township Police Department released by the investigative arm of the state attorney general’s office early this year included allegations that members of the department have consumed alcohol while armed and working security, left notes with racial slurs in an officer’s mailbox, gambled with people with criminal histories, and traveled to a strip club while attending an out-of-town police training class.

Bissler said he reminds officers that of the more than 300 million people who live in the United States, less than 1 million have the privilege of being policemen and policewomen.

“We’re the minority,” Bissler said. “Respect the badge, and act like it.”

‘I THINK WE’RE SEEING THAT CHANGE NOW’

Brink said when he was applying for the major’s job, he was aware the morale of the police department was suffering as a result of the state investigation.

“They were going through a difficult time,” Brink said. “There’s no question about that.”

He said since the day he walked into the department, he’s felt supported by each person there — something he wasn’t sure would happen. From his perspective, employees were anxious for change, and he said he can tell they’re becoming more comfortable approaching him with concerns.

He deferred to Bissler about whether morale has improved.

“I guess, sadly, I didn’t know that it was as bad as it was, and I guess that came out with what happened,” Bissler said, his voice softening. He paused.

“I guess I didn’t realize that it was as bad off as it was. But I think we’re seeing that change now.”